Echo Bluffs State Park RV & Campground Guide
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Located in south-central Missouri in the Mark Twain National Forest and Ozark Mountains, Echo Bluffs State Park is a natural wonderland that is ideal for recreation and relaxation. The primary feature of the park is a valley set against tall bluffs. The landscape has been carved by Sinking Creek, which is a tributary of the Current River. This 476-acre tract was used as a children’s summer camp, Camp Zoe, from 1929 until its conversion to Echo Bluffs State Park in 2013. The amenities added then included a playground, picnic pavilions, a campground and a lodge.
Spring 36–77 F
Summer 67–89 F
Fall 37–81 F
Winter 23–45 F
RV Resorts & Campsites in Echo Bluffs State Park
The Timbuktu Campground is the only tent and RV campground in Echo Bluffs State Park. It offers 60 sites with full hookups. The maximum RV length is 50 feet. Campers can take advantage of paved pads, lantern posts, picnic tables and fire pits. The campground also has restrooms, complimentary Wi-Fi and a firewood station. In addition, campers have access to the restaurant, laundry facility and business center at the lodge. Five campsites are accessible.
What to Do at
Echo Bluffs State Park
Echo Bluffs State Park offers both creature comforts and outdoor recreational activities for a memorable, fun-filled trip. The river is well-suited for fishing, swimming, paddleboarding, canoeing, kayaking and tubing. Picnicking, hiking, mountain biking, seasonal events and other opportunities are available as well.
Fishing
The crisp waters of the Sinking Creek are home to smallmouth bass and goggle eyes. With your waders and tackle, Echo Bluffs State Park is a fun spot to spend a day fly-fishing.
Geocaching
Caches are tucked away in carefully selected areas throughout Echo Bluffs State Park and waiting to be found. Before geocaching, however, you must get a permit through the Missouri State Park System.
Nature Watching
With the park’s remote location, it is teeming with wildlife. Bears, mountain lions and deer are among the largest mammals that call the area home. Bobcats, pickerel frogs, kingfishers, water snakes, squirrels, chipmunks, otters, mink, muskrats and beavers are some of the other animals that you may find while exploring Echo Bluffs State Park.
Hiking
Two nature trails wind through the remote areas of Echo Bluffs State Park, and both are popular for hiking and mountain biking. The Current River Trail starts on Echo Bluff Drive at the southern end of the park and winds northward across Wheeler Bridge, the creek and the campground. Painter Ridge is divided into north and south loops; both loops follow the top of the bluffs and offer spectacular views.
Stargazing
While there are some lights from the lodge and campground at Echo Bluffs State Park, noise pollution is minimal at park’s southern parking lots, the central picnic area and the Bluff Top Pavilion. These are excellent places to admire the night sky not far from your camping spot.
Boating
Kayaks, canoes, tubes and paddle boards are often seen on Sinking Creek. You can bring your own gear or take advantage of trips available from outfitters located just outside of the park. Float trips last four to eight hours.
Swimming
Sinking Creek has shallow areas that are ideal for wading and for small children to play in. There are also deeper spots that are popular for swimming and snorkeling. A children’s splash pad is another way for the kids to cool down, and it is located near the lodge.
How to Get to
Echo Bluffs State Park
Echo Bluffs State Park sits between the small towns of Eminence and Salem. Highway 19 connects these towns. From Highway 19, turn east on Echo Bluff Drive. The park office is located close to this intersection. The closest major highway is Interstate 44. On I-44, take Highway 72 south in Rolla. Highway 72 connects with Highway 19 in Salem.
Entering Echo Bluffs State Park
The state park is open year-round, but park buildings are not open or staffed on several major holidays. The park’s main gate opens at sunrise and closes at 10 p.m. The park office is open on weekdays from 8 a.m. to 4:30 p.m. Many areas of the park are accessible, including select campsites, the lodge, some picnic areas and parking spaces.
Echo Bluffs State Park Entry Fee : $0.0
Frequently Asked Questions About Echo Bluffs State Park
While Echo Bluffs State Park is open year-round, the summer months are most popular. Warm summer days are ideal for tubing, fishing, kayaking, swimming and other water activities. The temperatures often cool down during the evenings, making summer perfect for camping.
While exploring Echo Bluffs State Park, you may spot smaller animals like pickerel frogs, muskrats, squirrels, water snakes, chipmunks and various types of birds. Larger animals that live in the area include beavers, bears, deer, mountain lions, bobcats and otters.
There are designated RV camping spots at Echo Bluffs State Park, and all RV spots have full hookups.
Reservations are not required to camp at Echo Bluffs State Park. When making a reservation, a fee of $6.50 for online reservations or $8 for reservations through the call center applies. The nightly rate ranges from $22 to $37.
Up to two dogs per campsite are permitted. They must be supervised and on a leash no longer than 10 feet at all times. Pets may not enter park buildings or areas designated for swimming and fishing.